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MR. SEJYTER'S 

ORATION. 



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DELIVERED BEFORE THE 



WasJnngton Benevolent Society^ 



OF THE COUNTY OF 



BERKIMER 



OJ^ THE ^2d FEBRUARY, iSi7i 



By NATHANIEL G. M. SENTER; 

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nERKIMER ? 

^RJNTKB BX »DWARD f , SETMO¥»j 






Mn', NAtHANIEL G. M. SENtE«i 

Sis, 

IJV comfiliance. fvith a resolution af the Washtngtbn Btnevoknt Sc- 
defy, of the county of Herkimer^ fiassed on the 22d day of February 
instant-^ioe present you the thanks of the Society, for the excellent 
Oration^ which on that day you delivered before the said Society — and 
request a copy thereof for fiublication. 
Rispectfulty uours , fs^c 



.February 34M, 1817. 



MATTHEW MYFRS, T 

PHILO M HACKLEY, I Cotamittee. 

GEORGE H. FEETER, J 



TO THE COMMITTEE FROM THE WASHINGTON BENEVOLENT SOCIETlf, 
GSN'fLEMEN, 

J recFive your flattering request, and comply ivith it, more from 
a sincere iviah to evince to the rjorld my great regard for the firinci- 
files, and my vcnc^ati'jn Jar th^ iiluairiaua man, ivho is the subject of ths 
diacmrte, than any desire lo give publicity lo my feeble taUnta. Willi. 
a hearty ii>hh that his greatness never may be obscured, and his virtues 
ntver forgotten, J resign to you the desired copy. 
With respect and esteem, 

I remain your obedient servant, 

NATHANIEL G, M. SENTER, 



a:k 



1^9 c^e. 



^SET'irXEN OF fHE. JVjSHINCTOTf BEKKrOLENr SGCIETry 
jiND FELLOir-ClTlZENS : 



T must 1)6 ])leasin£5, in the sight of Heaven, lo see a 
>Jation, crowding to its temples, to commemorate the birth 
of the Founder of its freedom and glory. It is incumbent 
on us to pay just tribute to the memory of those who have 
been illustrious in the service of their country. 

Tlie S2d of February, 1733, i^ave birth to our beloved 
and lamented WAS lillSUTON— justly celebrated for 
his heroism and achievements — illustrious for his talents 
and virtue ; and immortal, in the unspotted purity of iiis 
heart, and the unsullied probity of liis mind. — Behold 
millions, this day, i)oniiiig fuiih th^ir (hunks to Heaven, 
and hailing in joyous Juhileey the vdorny vhich ushered 
in this splendid Luminary of human greatness. He rose, 
like the Sun in the east, silent in the granijfuk or 
HIS OWN LIGHT. — lu thc Zenith of his glory, he, like that 
fountain of light, illumined, in cloudles-3 apleiuJourf the 
objects which surrounded him.— His descent to the s;rave, 
was like the declention of that irradiated orb, in all thc 
majesty of letircing lustre. — On that day, so mournful, 

THE HEAVENS WITHDREW ITS GLOKY FROM OUR VIEW. 

Our country in tlse first burEts of grief, seemed inconsol- 
able for its loss. The v/orld said, thus died the hero 
without parnUel — (lie statesman without reproach — the 
man without disguise ; and the father v.itiiout a fault. 
Humanity lost its noblest onir.mcnt — the tcorld its great- 
est glory. It was not the accidental combination of &plen- 
iVid talents vritli inglorious vicvi s— or the cthciiai l"re of 



^nius, With the grossness of infirmity. It wns not the 
lustre of blazing and ignited ambition, or the majestij of 
usurpation ; that characterised this immortal man. — His 
greatness had in it somethiHg more divine — to rescue his 
country from domination — to secure their freedom — or- 
ganize and dignify a government, whose destiii}' he wa? 
called to controul — and lay the foundation of his coun- 
try's glory, was the grand and Godlike purpose of t!»is 
illustrious and venerable man. Virginia gave !um birth. 
Descended from a venerable ancestry, he ever seemed 
ambitious of adding increased honors to his progenitors, 
dy his own great deeds. 

At the age of 19 he was appointed by i\\Q. unanimous 
Wishes of his countrymen, one of the Adjutant Generals 
of Virginia. At 21 he was deputed by the state to pro- 
ceed as envoy to the western frontiers. In the same year 
he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and in his first at- 
tack he was successful and victorious. In the year 1755 
he attended General jiraddock, as aid, in the ever mem- 
orable campaign in which he fell. — Soon after this defeat 
he was appointed to the responsible command of Chief, 
in and over the forces of Ylrgiuia. During th3 inhuman 
massacre of his countrymen on the frontiers, he Vi'as heard 
to declare, " He was melted with a deadly sorrow ? and 
that if a sacrifice would stop the effusion of human blood, 
Jie would sacrifice himself for his country^s good.'^ In 
1758 he resigned his commission as provincial officer, and 
received (he thanks of his fellow-citizens, and the officers 
vof the British army. In 1774^ be v^as appointed a dele- 
gate to the Congress which met in Philadelphia, for the 
purpose of laying the foundation of a federal government. 
Engaged in that work neither opposition nor opprobrium, 
seemed to affect his determined and resistless vigor — con- 
tumely hurled its envenomed shafts in vain, and envy icith 
her foisoned Chalice shrunk from his presence, before 
its offerings were refused. The same year he was ap- 
pointed to tlie cliief command of the colonial forces. Here 
iwesea ted itself an aiiecting and glorious scene, •* Acouu- 



iry s^eearing to support its Chief Magistrate witli their 
Jives, and to adhere to him in the support of American 
liberty.'^ Invested with supreme command he proceeds 
to Cambridge to organize and discipline his infant army. 
We soon find liira engaged in offensive operations, which 
terminated gloriously for American arms — in the evacua- 
tion of Boston by General Howe. — For this he receives 
the thanks of his country ; and a medal is struck in com- 
memoratioo of that auspicious event. 

On the 27th of August he finds his little army defeat- 
ed by superior numbers at the battle of Long-Island ; and 
in the presence of the enemy effects one of the most mas- 
terly retreats recorded in our history. In a siibscquent 
campaign we find victory again perching on his standard, 
and in the battles of Trenton and Princeton fresh laurels 
encircle his brovvs. In 1778 he again receives the thanks 
of his country, for the victory at Monmouth over the roy- 
al forces. In I7SI he averts the dreaded rupture between 
the French and American armies, and in that memorable 
year strikes the mortal blow to British tyranny and usur- 
pation — by the capture and capitulation of Lord Cornwal- 
iis. Again tijis venerable and distinguished hero re- 
ceives the thanks of his beloved country. Peace now, 
like the morning star, began to beam upon his anxious 
and afflicted country. — " The stern and visaged front of 
war gave place to smiles of peace.'' 

The arduous task assigned him, accomplished, the il- 
lustrious founder of our liberties meditates a retirement 
from his labors. — Previous to the disbanding of the army 
under his comand, his yet bleeding heart was suddenly 
torn in anguish for the safety of the liberties he had foun- 
ded. — A conspiracy designed to pluck the crown of im- 
mortality from this champion of freedom, burst forth in 
all the malice of envy and machination. The eager and 
penetrating glance of Washington foresaw tlie tempest. 
At this moment of impending ruin, this illustrious hero 
in doubt of its reality, paused while he collected in array 
the energies of his mind. 



6 

His country lost in the anxious epilepsy of dread aad 
love for the freedom they had acquired, determined to a- 
wait the decision of this peerless statesman. The baptis- 
mal dove descended in cloudless effulgence, and with the 
spotless wings of its protection hovered around his holy 
person. The sj)irit of inspiration lit on Washington. — 
Awakened and enlightened he arrested rebellion, and 
disarmed its crested affrontery with the blush of affection ; 
and while the sceptre of disaffection was yet falling, he 
rouses his misguided country to their insecurity and 
peril. In view of this scene, Columbia cast an anxious 
eye towards the stern, enlightened dictator of the age. 
Invulnerable in the purity of his patriotism, he stood like^ 
the towering oak of his native soil, inflexible and unsha- 
ken amid the tempest, 

Ijuminous and resistless in persuasion, he subsidized 
the allegiance of the array, the prerogatives of reason, and 
the energy of his oivn great mind, to crush liie impious 
demons as they advanced to the unhallowed conflict. — 
What must have been the exulting sensations of his coun- 
tr^^men, when they found him triumphant ? Military fac- 
tion withered lihe the aspan leaf before his eloquent re- 
bukes. Before him the aspiring demagogue shrunk like 
the weed before the deadly Upas. Intrigue and faction 
bhed their untimely fruit, like a Fig Tree when shaken 
of a mighty wind. — ArtiSce and disguise unrobed them- 
selves before his searching eye. — The altar and tlie God 
of faction tumbled together in the dust before his inspiring 
presence. 

Having accomplished this, the world beheld him, like 
the illustrious Roman, retiring from the field of glory and 
renown. — On the 18th June, 1783, he surrenders up the 
high commission, with the powers vested in him, to an 
admiring people. It was now that crowns, scei)tres and 
sovereignty became valueless and contemptible. — He re- 
turns ALL to his country — but the glory, and imperishable 
fame wjjich hovered around his holy person. Of that $e 
could not divebt himself ; fur it was t!ic irradiated and ini- 



passioned stamp of immortality, fixed on hfm by Divhvh 
ty himself. 

The father could not leave his family without bequeath- 
ing to them a Covenant, to preserve their Independence 
and love of country. 

Hear wliat our venerable father hath said :■— ^< Thero 
are four things essential to the welfare and existence of tho 
United States, as an Independent power. 

1st. An inilissolublo unioH of the States,, under ona 
federal head. 

2tl. A sacred regard to public justice. 

3d. The adoption of a proper peace establishment. 

4rth. A pacific disposition among the people, which will 
induce them to forget their animosities and prejudices. 

These are the pillars on which the glorious fabric of 
Gur Independence and National character must be sup-, 
ported.'' 

Thus has he lefi a lasting Testament of hi^ wisdoni 
and l®ve ; and thus has lie in humble imitation of tha 
Great Architect of the world, delivered to his chosen peo- 
ple the table of his commandments. He retired hut to 
re-appear — he obscured himself but to shine again, in re-. 
doubled and re^lluminated glory. Faithful to his affec- 
tions — absorbed in the delicaie remembrance of the suffer- 
ings, the joys and triumphs of his brethren in arms — ^ho 
convenes them for the last time to receive his paternal pre- 
cepts — blessing them in humble imitation of the Saviourof 
the world ; he covers them with benediction and prayer. — 
His country stood spectators of this sublime and priestly 
scene, IJniiithis timef grief knew not its dignity, noi' 
sorrow its silence. 

Amid the conflict of passion and tempest of tenderness, 
which swelled his mighty heart, love of country shona 
in splendid preeminence and state. " Then burst his 
mighty heart, and in his mantle muffling up his ftea<?,'' ho 
bid an adieu to his illustrious companions in arms. No? 
so did Cffisar, whose ambition and lawless thirst of pow- 
^Vf prostrated and, extinguished ths freedom of hla coua- 



if J. "Not so tlie proud imperial victor of Austerlitz, wlmse 
inglorious usurpation^ have gullied the splendour of hie 
conquests. 

The stupendous work is uot yet finished, bui from the 
bosom of retirement and domestic love, his country agaiu 
calls him to her defence. He hears with solicitude the 
pressing call, and again, with majestic resignation, he 
ebeys her summons. Once more an organ of the public 
voice, he is clothed with a Senatorial dignity; and the 
hero is lost in the affectionate statesman. A delegate 
from Virginia to the^'ational Convention at Philadelphia, 
lie is unanimously elected President of that venerabls 
body. 

On tlie 17th of September^ i-7^7f they finished theiir 
labors. The exclaiming voice of our mothers and daugh- 
ters on . tliis happy event, was :— " HE IS OUR PRO- 
TECTOR AND DEFENDER.'' What are tombs, 
mosoleums or triumphant arches, to this grateful and im- 
perishable monument ? On the 14th of April, it was an^. 
nounced that the voice of his country had vested liim with 
the Chief Magistracy of the United States. Again he 
swears fidelity to his country, and on the Altar of Reli- 
gion swears also to preserve and defend the Constitution^ 
of which he was the founder. Amid thousands of his a- 
floring countrymen, appeared this veteran father of our 
liberties — swearing fidelity to his family. This was a 
moment of grandeur of feeling — of sublime political joy. 
He was now crowned with civil glory — the garland of 
fame was wove with the oaken wreath of victory. Im- 
mediately on the organization of the departments of state, 
Washington proceeded to appoint those to office, whose 
experience, probity alnd love of country, rendered them 
iuitable candidates for those important functions. 

In the selection of these characters, fellow-citizens, he 
wisely appointed tbe illustrious Hamilton to the head of 
the Treasury — a man deservedly celebrated for his inflex« 
ible integrity, talents and patriotism. To the War De- 
partment, General Knox; a faithful companioii in the strug^ 



gle? for liberty. As the head of tlie JiuHciary he appoiuf- 
ed the venerable and experienced statesman Jolin Jay — 
justly deserving of that particular distinction, arising from 
wisdom, purity of mind, and inflexible honor in the dis- 
charge of public duty. These men ever countinued faith- 
ful to their trust — ornaments of their country, and exam- 
ples to the vising age. During the war of 1794, between 
Great Britian and France, tliat turbulent Republic, incen- 
ced at the treaty made between England and the United 
Stales, openly, iu violation of the laws of nations, and 
insulting to the bonor of our country, deputed her Minis- 
ter to this country, instructing him to assist in supporting 
the depredations, then making on the commerce of Eng- 
land and her dependaoces- Our illustrious Chief Magis- 
trate, in conformity to his proclamation of neutrality, di- 
rected the recall of the French Minister, Mr. Genet. 

Ambitous as Washington ever was, to complete the 
political edifice he had designed, he was not less anx- 
ious to preserve it entire, from the attacks of foreign in- 
fluence and insult. JTe rose, in the majesty of legitimate 
and parental power, and shielded that people, for whom 
he had so often unsheathed hu sword. Neither vehem- 
ence of oppositioti — the venality of foreign intrigae, nor 
the impending frowns of political tempests, awed or ap- 
palled him. Faithful to his country — loyal to his trust — 
and just to his God, he appeared immoyeahly intent on 
checking the torrent of Gallic corruption and philosophy 
— which seemed rolling from the Continent, menacing in 
its fury, not only the freedom, but the altars of our coun- 
try. To his discernment and decision, is owing the tran- 
quillity which succeeded the abortive efforts of Genet, and 
his coadjutors, iu their insidious attempts to destroy tho 
peace and sovereignty of our Republic. 

Having adjusted all difference with the courts of Great 
Britain and Spain, and laid the foundation of peace with 
the turbulent Republic of France — the venerable father 
of American liberty, again retires to taste the sweets of 
domestic repose. On the 17th September, 1796, he ad- 



19 

Presses his beloved countrymen, atid strictly, in conrorm* 
ity to his illustrious example^ lie recommends a cautious 
jealousy of foreign influence — a pure love of Constitu- 
tion and country — an inflexible regard to public justice, 
and detestation of faction and tyranny. — In this valedic- 
tory effusion of unparalleled patriotism, and unexampled 
love of country, we find the pillars of our freedom and 
Independence. Hear again what our father hath said — 
"Let me warn yon, in the most solemn manner, against 
the baneful effects of the spirit of party. The alternate 
domination of one faction over another, which in different 
ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enor- 
mities, is itself a frightful despotism ; but this leads at 
length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The 
disorders and miseries which result, gradually incline the 
minds of men, to seek security and repose, in the abso- 
lute power of an individual ; and sooner or later, the 
cWef of some prevailing faction, turns this disposition to 
the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public 
liberty*^' 

" Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, I con- 
*jure you to believe me, fellow-citizens, the jealousy of a 
free people ought to be constantly awake, since history 
and experience prove that foreign influence is one of tho 
most baneful foes of Republican government. But, that 
jealously, to be useful, must be impartial, else it becomes 
the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead 
of a defence against it. Excessive partiality foF one for- 
eign Nation, and excessive dislike of another, cause 
those whom they actuate, to see danger only on one side, 
and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on 
the other. Meal Patriots, who may resist the intrigues 
of the favorite, are liable to become suspected and odious, 
while its tools and dupes uhVLt^ the applause and confidence 
of the people, to surrender their interests.''^ 

From the cares of public life, and the numerous boa. 
ors conferred on him by a grateful people — he returns to 
4he humble and dignified vocation of a tiller of the earth. 



ii 

—Faithful and fortunate, in the discharge of every duty 
which connected him with the puhlic weal — he resumes, 
like the illustrious Cincinnatus, the labors of industry. — 
In this scene, we see fully exemplified, the unsullied prob- 
ity of his mind, and the unspotted purity of his heart. It 
was an act which stamped his character, the most glorious 
—most patriotic, and most virtiiaiis of modem ages. 

During his retirement, the aspiring, disorganizing gov- 
ernment of France, again called forth the spirit and ener- 
gy of the American Councils. To resent the unjustifiable 
insult, offered to our sovereignty, in the outrages on our 
public Ministers ; and to redress, at the threshold of arms 
and resistance, the wrongs committed on our commerce, 
Jt)ha Adams, then President of the United States, re- 
commended vigorous measures of Defence. — The Ameri- 
can Eagle again clenched the Olive Branch and the ar- 
row, and proudly hovered over the destiney of our beloved 
country. As soon as the adoption of this measure wai 
probable, the eyes of his country were turned on Wash- 
ington. — Again was this aged hero called to the defence 
4)f our liberties and Independence. He consents to as- 
sume the command of our army ; and proceeds to organ- 
ize them, and hurl defiance upon the Directory of Fance. 
The event justified the most sanguine expectations of our 
National Legislature ; and the impious hopes of an inva- 
tling foe, were crushed and confounded. 

At the moment when our citizens were exulting in the 
success x)f our diplomatic mission to the Republic of 
France ; the Angel of mercy was sent to convey his spirit 
to the mansions of rest. Amid the pomp of unaffected 
grief, and splendour of silent sorrow, we beheld the 
spirit of oar venerable and lamented father called to the 
bosom of its Creator. 

On that memorable day, the 13th December, 1799, in 
the perfect possession of his serene and God-like miod^ 
lie yielded to the conflicts of death. — Behold the end of 
this great and virtuous Patriot. Founded, as was his 
priueiples; on the immutable basis of justice and truth— 



la 

fortified, as was his views, by the purity anil integrity of 
public virtue i anil, ever impressed with a humble consci- 
entiousness of his responsibility, to the Great Father of 
Spirits — his commencement in life — his career through h 
and his departure from it, teas cloudlesisly glorious ir- 
rej)roachable mid exemplary. 

Associated in the stupendous work, of founding a new 
Kepublic, we find a constellation of warriors and mar- 
tyrs, hoverins; round a Sun, from whicli they received 
glory and lustre. Next to our beloved Washington, in 
the confidence of a grateful country, wag WarrRn—i\\Q 
first martyr of distinction, to the cause of American free- 
dom. Bunker's awful height, still proclaims the gallantry 
and devotion of this intrepid hero. Next on the list of de- 
parted worthies, is the gallant 6>(?enc, who, with our 
illustrious Hamilton^ possessed an unbounded share of the 
confidence of their great Chief, the venerable Washing- 
ton. — Amid those splendid characters, who have given a 
fame to this country, Knox sustains an important rank. 
As a testimony of his private M^orth, and public services, 
he was a confident of the father of our cmintry, in Ids 
most conflicting trials ; and, on tho institution of the Soci- 
ety of Cincinnati, he was elected to tho honorable office 
of Secretary. 

In the number of departed heroes, wlio contributed 
greatly to establish our Independence, are the lamented 
Gates and Lincoln — deservedly enrolled among the most 
valiant and inflexible of American Patriots. But chiefly 
thou, Oh Lingan, calls for the trihutary tear. — Aged 
and infirm, in the service of thy country, *^ thou felVst a 
glorious martyr. — Covered with military and civic glory 
—gored with wounds, inflicted by the merciless hands of 
an infuriated and incenced populace — thy death was glo- 
rious ; and in the pomp of sacrificial offering, thou hast 
erected an imperishable naosoleum — thou has left a death- 
less name. To thy name, Montgomery, a Nation sheds 
the tear of grateful sorrow. — The Goddess of victory was 
hovering over thy head, wheu death, envious of the lau- 



i^elcdj honoM, ^hich awaited the capture of Quebec, ctaBW^ 
6d his favorite Son to his boiom. Less glorious, but not 
less distinguished in the annals of our country, are the 
names of Wayne, and the intrepid Mercer. These, with 
the devoted JTorceafer— the gallant Schuyler—ihe intrep- 
id Pic/jiam— the generous M^Dougal, and the patriotic 
Chnton—a. distinguished band of warriors have beencalU 
ed to the arms of death. 

Encompassed by such a galaxy of splendid geniuses, 
we might suppose that the glory of the man, whose birth 
we now celebrate, must have derived some of its lustre 
from theirs. Although they shone with brilliancy— their 
splendor was borrowed from that glorious character, a- 
round which they revolved, like the Planetary Satellites 
m the Heavens, around the Luminary of light. Of his 
character, who can speak with justice— of his fame, who 
can add by eulogy. " The giandeur of antiquity, and 
the fame of modern greatness, are diminished before 
Lim." « The destroyers of Nations, stood abashed at the 
majesty of his virtues.''— It reproved the intemperance 
Of their ambition, and darkened the splendor of victory 
Heroes of integrity have had their great virtues eclipsed 
by concomitant vices.— S^f Washington's glory was nev. 
sr sullied— -his splendor never darkened. In his orbit, 
his lustre was without spot—without eclipse and without 
conjunction. 

Having accomplished the stupendous task assigned him, 
he toak his flight towards Heaven— <i not like Mahomet, 
tor his memory is immortal, without the fiction of a mir- 
acle—not like Elijah for it is not known on whom his 
mantle shall descend ; but in humble imitation of the Om. 
nipatent Architect of the Universe, who returned from a 
created world, to contemplate from bia Throne, the stok 
::^«id&tt»i4b^iG he had erected," 



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